It might feel good to spend time alone, or it may not. What is clear is that long periods of social isolation is bad for one’s health, and is even more likely to kill them than obesity.

According to a new review of 218 studies that looked into the effects of loneliness and social isolation, those with bad social connections are 50 percent more likely to die prematurely than those with good social connections. Obesity, on the other hand, increases a person’s risk of death by just 30 percent

Said Dr. Julianne Holt-Lunstad, lead author and professor at Brigham Young University: “Being connected to others socially is widely considered a fundamental human need, crucial to both well-being and survival.”

“Extreme examples show infants in custodial care who lack human contact fail to thrive and often die, and indeed, social isolation or solitary confinement has been used as a form of punishment,” she continued. “Yet an increasing portion of the US population now experiences isolation regularly.”

As a result of these findings, experts are warning that loneliness should be considered a public health risk. They add that we, as a society, are experiencing a “loneliness” epidemic.”

This isn’t the first data suggesting social isolation can adversely affect one’s health. A survey by Granset, the over-50s social networking site, concluded that nearly 75 percent of the elderly in the UK are lonely. Furthermore, most have never spoken to someone about their feelings.

Said Holt-Lunstad: “There is robust evidence that social isolation and loneliness significantly increase the risk for premature mortality, and the magnitude of the risk exceeds that of many leading health indicators.”

“With an increasingly aging population, the effect on public health is only anticipated to increase,” added Holt-Lunstad. “Indeed, many nations around the world now suggest we are facing a ‘loneliness epidemic.’ The challenge we face now is what can be done about it.”

The professor urges greater priority to be placed on research and developing resources to tackle loneliness. For example, children should be taught social skills to combat loneliness or voice their emotions in schools.

About the Author

I’m an RHN, plant-based chef, freelance writer with 6+ years of experience, Reiki master therapist, world traveler and enthusiast of everything to do with animal rights, sustainability, cannabis and conscious living. I share healthy recipes at Bloom for Life and cannabis-infused treats at My Stoned Kitchen.Read More stories by Amanda Froelich

FAIR USE NOTICE. Many of the articles on this site contain copyrighted material whose use has not been specifically authorized by the copyright owner. We are making this material available in an effort to advance the understanding of environmental issues, human rights, economic and political democracy, and issues of social justice. We believe this constitutes a 'fair use' of the copyrighted material as provided for in Section 107 of the US Copyright Law which contains a list of the various purposes for which the reproduction of a particular work may be considered fair, such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, and research. If you wish to use such copyrighted material for purposes of your own that go beyond 'fair use'...you must obtain permission from the copyright owner. And, if you are a copyright owner who wishes to have your content removed, let us know via the "Contact Us" link at the top of the site, and we will promptly remove it.

The information on this site is provided for educational and entertainment purposes only. It is not intended as a substitute for professional advice of any kind. Conscious Life News assumes no responsibility for the use or misuse of this material. Your use of this website indicates your agreement to these terms.

Paid advertising on Conscious Life News may not represent the views and opinions of this website and its contributors. No endorsement of products and services advertised is either expressed or implied.